A-Level Mathematics Course

A Level Mathematics  Course Content

With the new format of Edexcel A Level, the method of course delivery varies slightly. In the first year of study, students will cover Pure Mathematics. The year of study will be divided into ten topics of study as follows:

A Level Mathematics Unit 2: Pure Mathematics Part A

Topic 1 – Proof
Understanding the structure of mathematical proof, including proof by deduction, proof by exhaustion and disproof by deduction.

Topic 2 – Algebra and functions
Understanding the laws of indices for all rational exponents, rationalising the denominator, working with quadratic functions, solving simultaneous equations and using graphical information to solve equations.
Topic 3 – Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
Understanding the equation of a straight line, applying the use of coordinate geometry and understanding the use of parametric equations in modelling in a variety of contexts.
Topic 4 – Sequences and series
Understanding the use of Pascal’s triangle, working with sequences (including increasing, decreasing and periodic sequences) and understanding sigma notation for sums of series.
Topic 5 – Trigonometry
Understanding the definitions of sine, cosine and tangent, solving trigonometric equations, using trigonometric functions to solve problems in context.

 

 

 2: Pure Mathematics Part B

  • Topic 6 – Exponentials and logarithms

Knowing and using functions and graphs that relate to exponentials and logarithms, understanding the laws of logarithms and understanding exponential growth and decay, along with the consideration of limitations and refinements of exponential models.

  • Topic 7 – Differentiation

Understanding sketching the gradient function for a given curve, second derivatives, the use of second derivative as the rate of change of a gradient, understanding how to apply differentiation to find gradients, tangents and normals.

  • Topic 8 – Integration

Knowing the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, understanding and evaluating definite integrals, carrying out simple cases of integration by substitution and integration by parts and interpreting the solution of differential equation in the context of solving a problem.

  • Topic 9 – Numerical methods

Understanding that sign change is appropriate for continuous functions in a small interval, solving equations approximately using simple iterative methods, understanding the Newton-Raphson method and using numerical methods to solve problems in context.

  • Topic 10 – Vectors

Using vectors in two dimensions, calculating the magnitude and direction of a vector, adding vectors diagrammatically, understanding and using position vectors, using vectors to solve problems in pure mathematics and context.

 

For the second year of study the focus turns to Statistics and Mechanics, the year will be split between the two sections of study where a more in-depth look is given to the following topics:

 

A Level Mathematics Unit 3: Section A: Statistics

  • Topic 1 – Statistical sampling

Understanding and using the terms ‘population’ and ‘sample’, understanding and using sampling techniques and applying sampling techniques in the context of solving a statistical problem.

  • Topic 2 – Data presentation and interpretation

Interpreting diagrams for single-variable data, interpreting scatter diagrams and regression lines for bivariate data, plus recognising and interpreting possible outliers in data sets and statistical diagrams.

  • Topic 3 – Probability

Understanding mutually exclusive and independent events when calculating probabilities, understanding conditional probability and modelling with probability, including critiquing assumptions made.

  • Topic 4 – Statistical Distributions

Understanding and using simple, discrete probability distributions, calculating probabilities using binomial distribution, understanding the use of Normal distribution as a model and selecting an appropriate probability distribution for a context.

  • Topic 5 – Statistical hypothesis testing

Understanding and applying the language of statistical hypothesis testing, conducting a statistical hypothesis test using binomial distribution and understanding a sample being used to make an inference about the population.

Section B: Mechanics

 

A Level Mathematics Unit 4: Section B: Mechanics

  • Topic 1 – Quantities and units in mechanics

Understanding and using fundamental quantities and units in the S.I. system, understanding and using derived quantities and units.

  • Topic 2 – Kinematics

Understanding and using the language of kinematics, interpreting graphs in kinematics for motion in a straight line, understanding how to derive the formulae for constant acceleration for motion in a straight line and using calculus in kinematics for motion in a straight line.

  • Topic 3 – Forces and Newton’s laws

Understanding the concept of a force, applying and using Newton’s second law for motion in a straight line, understanding using weight and motion in a straight line under gravity and applying Newton’s third law.

  • Topic 4 – Moments

Knowing and using moments in simple static contexts, including problems involving parallel and non-parallel coplanar forces.

 

Assessment

A Level Mathematics Paper 1 – Pure Mathematics 1 (*Paper code: 9MA0/01)

2-hour written examination

33.33% of the qualification

100 marks

 

A Level Mathematics Paper 2 – Pure Mathematics 2 (*Paper code: 9MA0/02)

2-hour written examination

33.33% of the qualification

100 marks

 

A Level Mathematics Paper 3 – Statistics and Mechanics (*Paper code: 9MA0/03)

2-hour written examination

33.33% of the qualification

100 marks